Waldo Pepper Standard J-1 - Restoration Update #04 - October 2020 - w/ Seversky P-35

OK gang! I made a tour through my shops this week to see how some of the current on-site restoration projects are coming along. Looks like things are slowly coming back to normal, as all the guys move into full swing, and start to make some progress again. Come on my tour, chat with my crew, and see what's been going on with the projects!
Kermit Weeks
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Kermit Weeks

[@Sniperlifemecharena]

Good job on preserving those beguiling aeronatical vessels. Nothing shorth of amazing

[@parrotraiser6541]

One of the most impressive meta-messages from these videos is the relationship between Kermit and his people. He hires knowledgeable master craftsmen and lets them get on with the job, (subject to occasional interruptions for filming). The authority delegated is remarkable. Everybody has the common objective of making the most historically accurate restorations possible and preserving the knowledge as well as the artefacts.

[@kgs42]

So good to see the skills and crafts displayed on these superb aircraft. Thanks, Kermit. I'm in England and only wish I could visit to see all the great things you have going on.

[@1boortzfan]

Kermit you have some wonderfully talented people working for you.

[@clintstephens7287]

Hi Rick thanks for the look at the P-35A yesterday I really enjoyed it. It was a very memorable day for me I really appreciate it:-)

[@johnross2086]

I visited Tamiami 5 months before Andrew, and as I visited you became one of my heroes. I was on my first vacation from the air and space museum where I was a union shop steward in the restaurant in the busiest single building in the world as it then was... I feel confident that the first airplane model I built was a Jenny in yellow plastic... one of my few regrets is that you didn't end up with the Brewster Buffalo... keep up the good work!!

[@artd.]

Amazing how you find so many knowledgeable people that truly love what they do in your restorations. Another wonderful video Mr Kermit.

[@philschopshop4591]

I build ww1 airplanes.

[@bigun447]

Sitting on pins and needles awaiting more on the BF-108. It is a project that is actually getting done while we are watching. AND, Paul is a great presenter.

[@KermitWeeks444]

New update next week.

[@calvin99991]

Ditto. The fuselage is looking good and nearly finished, judging by that brief shot at the end. Can't wait for the next update.

[@SniperSteve1]

@@KermitWeeks444 the only thing that would have made that ending any better, is Paul sticking his head out from behind the 108 as Kermit walked away and saying "Worry about that later ?" :)

[@hodaka1000]

@@KermitWeeks444 ...check him out Ken Weeks

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Such craftsmanship...

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for posting. Excellent.

[@maxsmodels]

It neevr ceases to amaze me how involved an aircraft restoration is.

[@philschopshop4591]

You might have an idea

[@craigpennington1251]

There's more to an old aircraft than people think. You guys are restoring history in a big way. Outstanding craftsmanship too. Very very cool stuff there.

[@tropicthndr]

Yea, 33,000 viewers looking at a Snap-On tool AD on a rollaway. Wonder what’s that worth.

[@philschopshop4591]

I’m working on a ww1 plane

[@ChrisB257]

Terrific to see more of the superb work being done by Ken and Rick. :)

[@ajett5081]

As a 30 + yr A&P mech, and have started 2 home built airplanes I see many many hrs. of work ahead to get those wonderful planes flying.

[@rolandalfonso6954]

This. Was. Wonderful. Start to finish, word for word.

[@stumccabe]

What many people don't appreciate about the polishing process is that although abrasion (using silicon carbide paper etc) removes a small amount of metal, the final polishing to a mirror finish does not (well virtually none) - it "smears" the metal at a microscopic level - so that the high points are reduced but the low points are filled in; the molecules at the surface actually flow.

[@j.w.perkins6004]

My dad was a flt instructor before WWII flying the Jenny. He headed-up the OX-5 Club for a while. He ended-up in the airlines (Northwest) flying 707's. He had a hell of a career! Unfortunately, I never have flown an OX-5. But I did fly F-4s in the USAF & Air Guard. He was envious, but proud of me!! I forgot to add, he had his ATR and an A&P on his ticket. He was Jack Armstrong.......

[@garynew9637]

What a magical world Kermit lives in.😁

[@jhaedtler]

The very first engine I ever took apart was an OX-5, I was 6 years old. Then I took an other one apart when I was 55. It was owned by Lindberg! Thanks for the great videos!

[@WellsLarry]

Mr Weeks, you are so good.

[@phlodel]

I'm really looking forward to a BF-108 update.

[@ColeAviation]

Kermit, thanks for the update video! I sure wished I lived closer to you because I would LOVE to work for you restoring those beautiful pieces of history. I’m about two months away from getting my late Grandaddys 1946 J-3C Cub back in the air. 😁

[@ronchambers2085]

Really enjoy these update videos....thanks for sharing.

[@gimbalair4221]

Rick is a metals genius!

[@davidweston6653]

In the 1920’s my father took flying lessons in LA. His second lesson his instructor got out and walked the wing of the Jenny. My father had no idea he was going to do that.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

O my gosh....Looking at that wooden landing gear support legs scares the crap out of me...No joke but l guess that comes from my Carrier days way back when.....Thanks Kermit for the excellent update...!

[@willamcombs1106]

Your staff, Kermit? Artists all. Thank You for sharing this rare look at what it takes to keep these beautiful Airplanes flying.

[@keepyourbilsteins]

Thanks for the update Kermit. Saw Paul skulking by in the restoration shop. Everything looks great. The 108 looks sublime!

[@shanethepain2009]

cant wait to see the tempest typhoon pair fly , and a ki-61 , excellent work very high standard Kermit , after seeing the resto shop a pof for the last 35 years projects. Steve .H and the crew are my hero's , one more flying p38 would be sweet, right Kermit .i have been to you storage facility across the street 3 years ago and know what you have ..

[@harrowtiger]

Excellent restoration and rebuilds. Thankyou all & Kermit.

[@kikufutaba1194]

You and your craftsman do so much for historic aircraft it is totally amazing. Thank you Weeks-san for letting us see your passion and love of aviation.

[@pat36a]

Damn, was waiting on the 108 project and you walked right by it. Guess I'll have to wait on Paul's video to come out.

[@964cuplove]

Darn, just half way through watching and was hoping to see it in there...

[@KermitWeeks444]

Full stand alone Bf-108 update with Paul, coming up next week.

[@fw1421]

@@KermitWeeks444 thanks Kermit! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@twilightroach4274]

Really looking forward to seeing the 108😋

[@hoodoo2001]

Was looking at the museums (Pioneer Flight Museum) Hall Scott engine on Saturday showing a new volunteer around at Kingsbury. Would love to see it on a Standard J-1 (probably will never happen). Roger has a Standard J-1 fuselage frame work constructed but don't know when he will ever get to it. Is sitting next to the magnificent Ken-Royce Fuselage.

[@bruceduncan2346]

Many if not all envy you sir!

[@robertinscoe2379]

Always good to see any updates.✌✌

[@stevem7868-y4l]

I look forward to these updates, the workmanship is awsome, and i would love to work in a place like this,

[@MichaelSchgowiz]

The 108 is looking great! That brief glimpse was wonderful. Can't wait to see an update from Paul

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Use a steel exhaust gasket like a lot of modern stuff does on that exhaust manifold. Guess it would still somewhat isolate the connection though.

[@pepitoperez2510]

You and your crew are keeping the rest of us sane. There is nothing ordinary about airplanes but most of us feel a certain awe about the fact that humans can fly. Be safe, all of you.

[@Popsaircraftdetail]

Beautiful work Rick the polishing looks awesome

[@Zosiac6]

This P 35A = J 9 (In Swedish) was on F 9 AFB outside Gothenburg from the 50's after the head of the Air Force had an engine breakdown and with the words "Let the crap stay here" it was there until 1970 and never flew but was a museum aircraft. In the winter, it stood in mountainhangar and on different flight days, it was pulled out and shown with other aircraft. I hope you mark it as a Swedish J 9

[@robertlafnear4865]

Thank You Kermit,.. I can small the glue and the chromate primer from here...... The G.W.P. is my all time favorite.. have a bunch of 2018 Oshkosh photos on my wall. Great video ! Thanks again.

[@Whitpusmc]

Well the J-1 is going to be fantastic. I’d argue that you are building a new J-1 using a few old parts! But obviously it’s gotta be safe.

[@darkredvan]

Thank you for showing the progress of those projects. You got some very good craftsmen working on your aircraft. You can be proud of your staff. Everyone is doing premier work. It is a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@korypo303]

What a workshop! What a crew!

[@jimbe01]

Thank you Mr. Weeks for the tour. Best of luck with the restorations. P.S. That looks like a really nice model “Jenny” next to the tail of the original.

[@mosca3289]

That polished aluminum looks amazing.

[@SaltyDawg-wu5kr]

Cool Stuff Kermit.👍🇺🇸

[@stephensimpson5283]

Wow that polish job is just stunning!!

[@philvaughan4091]

Amazing dedication and workmanship. Enjoyed the video as I always do. Y’all stay safe...

[@Astro-Stock]

Great update. You guys must have buckets of clecos! 😃

[@pbyfr]

Awesome work, like always.

[@dalerbsr.5061]

Thanks, that was fun... But i must say, it would be more fun with some rum! :)

[@davelewandoski4292]

love to see a Kermie Cam tour of the Marauder!

[@olsonspeed]

Thanks for the update, good to see progress and excellent restoration work being accomplished.

[@faustobaptista8555]

Gold news, I hope for the next month. The great re opening of the fantasy flight. I need to plan my visita after that.

[@donaldholman9070]

Thank you so much.

[@9997-g4g]

Kermit,don't ever cut the tail off.I will keep mine till the grave.

[@motormech1h343]

Kermit you got alot going on as far as projects!

[@KermitWeeks444]

Yes, and that's only what's being done on site. I got several planes also being restored at different shops around the world.

[@Marka1230]

Cheers for the great update. Won't be too long before you have some new planes to fly. Thanks for saving them all. All the best for your new attraction project, make aviation tell the tale of hopes and dreams, it deserves to be a hit for sure!

[@rustynail5676]

I took notice of the Waldo Pepper cockpit openings in the clips you showed. It is obvious that the opening was enlarged to fit the plywood seat for the boy and his dog. The other indication is when the person is climbing out, they still catch their foot even with a larger opening.

[@angelreading5098]

What an informative and enjoyable video,one thing that shines through is the knowledge of Kermits specialist restorers and their dedication too,lets hope that this current menace will not get in the way too much so continuity will continue with these valueable airframes,thank you Kermit for sharing these unique stories about these vintage airplanes.

[@kevinm3751]

Those wings are looking incredible!

[@joncraw29]

Kermit, I absolutely LOVE the maintenance updates! I really wish I could give your videos 10 "Thumbs up!" Thank you for sharing with us! Regards, Jon

[@EngineeringVignettes]

The boss wants you to put the wings on... You put the wings on. :D Thanks for the update, looking out for a BF-108 update soon, when it's ready. Cheers,

[@mongolike513]

Dear Uncle Kermit, I must say that IF only all restorers shared their progress and passion then maybe they could share the respect and admiration that your subscribers have for you. Thank you for introducing us to so many master craftsmen. Would you be amenable to saving Boeing? Progress is adv@ncing into the past, biplanes and plywood and steam engines may have a future

[@philschopshop4591]

I’m building a ww1 plane.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Kermit, are there any plans for the Marauder? Any chance you might consider a static engine runup in the near future?

[@rocket3man]

Better than the original production!

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Great Video, Kermit. My Dad got his license in a Jenny and I heard a lot of stories. He then went to a Swallow. You could buy a brand new surplus Jenny in a crate at the time.

[@bondisteve3617]

Sensational!...thanks so much.

[@8radeko]

Impressive team! Congrats!

[@happyhome41]

Did you give up on the Howard Hughes plane ? All that work and promise with the drive cross country, and then . . . ?

[@KermitWeeks444]

Waiting it’s turn. Can only do so many projects at a time.

[@mattharte7334]

I love your updates on all the various projects going on at FOF. You've got a great team of guys. Looking forward to visiting one day and also buying a bottle of your Naked in Jamaica Rum.

[@robertstill1403]

Hey Kermit, Dan had mentioned that he sold you the Jenny. I recently restored his Piper PA-11 for him. He still has a number of rare vintage engines and a 29 Waco with a Wright J-5.

[@markthompson4885]

Special shout out to the P35A what a beautiful job Paul is doing. would love to apprentice under him when I finish A&P school next May.

[@KermitWeeks444]

That's actually Rick working the P-35a, Paul is currently restoring the Bf-108.

[@markthompson4885]

@@KermitWeeks444 There both doing a fantastic job.

[@JLNYardBird]

Very interesting info on the polishing.

[@shawn2443]

Phenomenal staff Kermit! True artists. 🇺🇸

[@theflyingfool]

You've got a great team of highly skilled gents there Kermit. They're doing excellent work & it was interesting to see the progress they are making.

[@philschopshop4591]

I’m building a ww1 plane

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bf9142ftw]

Kermit, don't forget Fyrtle Myrtle! We could always use a third flying B29 😃

[@redr1150r]

The wings on the P-35 are interesting. Do the corrugations take the place of wing spars ?

[@earlcowley3393]

Thank you, I have been waiting for this update.

[@shanek6582]

Kermit seems like a great boss.

[@bobbreit5244]

So interesting! AND a Paul photo bomb. (STANKBOMB?) What skilled craftsmen. Is it a requirement that the older the plane, the older the technician? 😎👍

[@HoundDogMech]

Much better audio way to go Kermit ...Much better than the selfi audio.

[@HorsleyLandy88]

Each of those guys working on those aeroplanes should have an apprentice working with them, the knowledge should be passed on. Also it will speed the process up, there are always situations where you need another pair of hands, "hold this, go and get that".

[@stanlyqbrick1621]

excellent point, these older men are holding knowledge that will be lost when they go.

[@festol1]

Great news :) And what about the Bf109 you announced a year or so before? I'm already in love to the Bf108 project!

[@KermitWeeks444]

The 109 restoration is coming along. A video update will be coming soon.

[@chrissakal532]

Ok, I have a question because I'm curious. I have done aircraft sheet metal for 17 years and I'm impressed with the work. You mentioned wet sanding, buffing, and polishing. Doesn't that remove the protective cladding from that side of the metal? The interior is painted but what is the corrosion protection for the polished exterior?

[@KermitWeeks444]

On this project we are using plain aluminum, NOT Alclad. One must occasionally polish the airplane to prevent corrosion.

[@chrissakal532]

@@KermitWeeks444 Thanks for the reply! I think that's interesting. I've never worked with plain aluminum- all Alclad and titanium. So how long does one round of polishing last? I would imagine that the Florida humidity would have an effect on it. Also, does having a finish like that require periodic corrosion inspections? Beautiful finish but it must be incredibly labor intensive!

[@paul2457]

Waiting for the 108 thanks guys!

[@Calvin-xp4qp]

Love your vids! Determining CG on a staggered wing is perplexing to me. Any chance you can elaborate more on that topic in future videos?

[@shanethepain2009]

A nice razorback would look sweet along side the p35

[@bazwabat1]

Wow that skin is shiny!!!

[@clydecessna737]

To inspect an aircraft with corrugated stiffening sheets in the weeks like you find in DC-3s and Connies, how do you inspect them? Do you go down the little tubes with some kind of camera? Glad everyone seems healthy.

[@ces188charles6]

That was a really cool update!

[@davelewandoski4292]

true craftsmen!

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Fantastic.

[@kevinstephenson3880]

Glad to see progress. Was hoping to see more of the 108. Next time.

[@dancahill8555]

Dream employment!

[@kyleholmbeck7381]

Sweet plains

[@ninus17]

i dont know if it has been answered before, but will any of those 3 b29's or B50's ever get restored, the ones in storage in the desert. i hope to go to america and visit all the aviation museums in the near future,